SAGINAW, MI — Saginaw residents looking to make some quick cash might want to keep their eye on vacant properties during "devil's night."

Anyone who spots John Stemple, the city's chief inspector, attempting to enter abandoned structures will earn $50 if they call 911 to report his actions.

Stemple is joining teams of citizens and law enforcement officers, who will patrol Saginaw on Wednesday, Oct. 30, the night before Halloween. The goal is to reduce potential problems of vandalism and arson.

The "Hammer Out Arson" event runs from 10 p.m. Wednesday until 2 a.m. Thursday. Stemple encourages residents to call police if they spot any suspicious activity.

"That's what 911 is there for," he said.

He plans to listen to Saginaw County Central Dispatch radio to hear if
someone in each neighborhood he visits reports someone lurking in a
vacant structure. Those who do receive the cash award.

Last year, Stemple said he gave away rewards at each of his stops. With the four-hour schedule, he will visit four abandoned homes.

"I'd like to encourage people to keep their eyes open," Stemple said.

Stemple said Oct. 30 has proved to be a slow night for arson in recent years, and the city hopes to keep it that way.

"It's not a good night to do bad things," he said.

— Jessica Fleischman is a public safety reporter with MLive/The Saginaw News. Contact her at 989-996-0687, email her at jfleisc2@mlive.com or follow her on Twitter or Facebook.